shih tzu mating

Question
QUESTION: My shih tzu female 3.5 years of age had her heat cycle, then on the 8th of this month accepted the male .. I thought this cycle lasted about 10 days, but here we are 15 days into it and again this morning they were tied.  Is this normal?  How can I calculate her due date?  I know it's about 63 days, but since her cycle is so long, from when do I count?  Any help is appreciated!



ANSWER: Hi. The cycle normally lasts 21 days, or roughly 3 weeks. Most breeders try on day 11 and 13, or on days 12 and 14 to breed. However, some girl ovulate early or later, and will accept the male at different times. The due date would be 63 days from each breeding. If they only bred once, then you only have one due date. If they bred twice, then you have two, ect. If she was bred on the 8th of this month, then she's due Dec. 9th. If I can help with anything else, let me know.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi. Thank you!.  Ok.  She bred on the 8th- 9th-17th-20th-22nd and 23rd.  So does she conceive on all those days? and will the pups from the later breedings be healthy?  I'm sorry to be a pain, I asked the vet and he was just very dismissive and vague about it!  I know he hears these things all the time, but this is my baby ;)

Answer
You're not a pain, ask as many questions as you need to.:-) That's what I'm here for. All this means is that she has 6 potiental due dates. The thing about breeding this many times, is that you end up with a ton of due dates, not really knowing for sure when is the right one if she runs into trouble. I would definitely have some x-rays done after she hits 50 days into the pregnancy, you can wait until she's about 56-57 if you want, that may be even better. One other thing about breeding this many times, is that you could end up with premature puppies. A dog only ovulates once, however, it takes a few days for the eggs to mature to be fertilized. It doesn't mean that she took on all of those breedings. Does any of this make sense?:-) Please let me know if I can help with anything else.